Waterford family of six killed in house fire after prior petrol‑bomb attack

A family of six was killed when their Birchwood home in Waterford City was set alight in the early hours of Tuesday, according to Gardaí.

Kim English, Philip English and their sons, 12‑year‑old Callum and nine‑year‑old Jayden, died in the blaze. Their two other children remain in a critical condition at Crumlin Children’s Hospital.

Gardaí have opened a murder enquiry, with drug‑debt intimidation identified as a central line of investigation.

Journalist Damien Tiernan, speaking on Newstalk Breakfast, said he knew the English family and described Philip and Kim as a “very happily married couple” with “four wonderful children”. He noted that Philip worked in security, was not involved in drugs, and that the family had faced serious health challenges, including a child with leukaemia.

Three years ago the family reported paint being thrown on their car, and on 18 September this year Philip texted Tiernan that his car had been petrol‑bombed, expressing fear that their house could be targeted.

Gardaí appealed for information about the 13 October attack, which they believe involved a petrol bomb that filled the house with thick black smoke. Neighbours arrived but were unable to rescue the family.

A GoFundMe page has been created to assist with funeral costs.

Source: Newstalk. Photo: Eric Prouzet / Pexels.